Your Preteen

Don't be surprised if your child...

Acts like friends matter more than you do
Needs you more than they'll ever let you know
Has bursts of energy followed by long periods of doing nothing
Stays on an emotional roller coaster - up one minute...down the next!
Criticizes well-loved things - home, school...and you
Criticizes and thinks less of themselves than you do
Experiments with different looks
Wants more privacy and independence
Accuses you of "preaching at him/her"
Tries your patience
Does what you suggest...but never while you're looking.

(Author Unknown)